10 World Destinations worth a Visit in 2019

If you’re anything like us, you’ve already started searching for your next destination and planning out your 2019 trips! For the adventurous travelers among us looking to buck the trends and go a bit off the beaten path, we present to you 10 world cities ready to claim their share of the spotlight as top-tier destinations.

And once you’ve selected your next destination and it’s time to book your getaway, TripAdvisor can help plan your whole itinerary. When it comes to visiting a new place, consider a rental home to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. Find an apartment in the heart of downtown, just steps to the amazing history and attractions these destinations offer. On TripAdvisor, you can book the perfect rental to match your travel style and tastes.

1.SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, MEXICO

High in the cool hills, this colonial gem of cobblestone streets and picturesque churches inspires artists with its color, character and light. Baroque, neoclassical and neogothic mix in the city’s buildings, notably at the pink stone 18th-century church on the Plaza Principal. Founded in 1542, the city is a mix of Hispanic and Mesoamerican influences.

2.UDAIPUR, INDIA

Udaipur, known as the Venice of the East, boasts several sparkling lakes against a backdrop of the Aravail hills. Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir, islands in Fateh Sagar Lake, are the site of Udaipur Solar Observatory and Nehru Garden. Famous palaces include the magical Lake Palace, now a luxurious five-star hotel, and the massive City Palace on Pichola’s east bank, featuring epic courtyards and stunning paintings.

3.PORTO, PORTUGAL

The town that gave the country (and port wine) its very name, Porto is Portugal’s second-largest metropolis after Lisbon. Sometimes called Oporto, it’s an age-old city that has one foot firmly in the industrial present. The old town, centered at Ribeira, was built on the hills overlooking the Douro River, and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 14th-century São Francisco church is a main attraction, as are the local port wine cellars, mostly located across the river at Vila Nova de Gaia.

4.HALIFAX, CANADA

Travelers say Halifax is best seen on foot, so park the car and start walking. Immerse yourself in Halifax’s rich history at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and be sure to survey the city from the 18th-century Citadel National Historic Site. Then walk into any of Halifax’s great bars and restaurants and catch some live music to round out your day.

5.LIMA, PERU

Lima, founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, is a fascinating city and a treasure trove of history. Explore ancient Incan archeological sites, or stroll through the elegant cathedrals and opulent palaces dating from Spanish colonial times. Downtown Lima is crowded, but you’ll enjoy exploring the city’s neighborhoods—especially the beachfront areas, which have great shopping and dining and fabulous hotels.

6.HELSINKI, FINLAND

Sitting on the edge of the Baltic, the modern, cosmopolitan city of Helsinki is the World Design Capital for 2012. The beauty of the surrounding nature blends seamlessly with high-tech achievements and contemporary trends. Walking tours of the city center show layers of history, while modern architecture and cutting-edge style stake the city’s claim to the future. Choose Helsinki during its endless summer days or get adventurous on crisp, snowy winter nights.

7.BAKU, AZERBAIJAN

The historical center of Baku reveals its tumultuous past, from its roots as a Persian capital, through its oil boom to its Soviet occupation. The old city is a maze of alleys, mosques, historic buildings and remnants of fortification, including the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower, now listed among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Much more than a historic site, the city hosts vibrant arts and cultural activities, as well as a bustling modern business sector.

8.SOUSSE, TUNISIA

Sitting where the Phoenician colony of Hadrumetum once stood nearly 3,000 years ago, the modern-day Sousse is a resort destination, especially popular with Europeans. Sometimes called “the Pearl of the Sahel” (referring to the central section of Tunisia’s eastern shoreline), Sousse is prized for its excellent beaches. Arab-Islamic since the 7th century AD, the city has many fascinating attractions, like the 9th-century Great Mosque, and its medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

9.YOKOHAMA, JAPAN

Yokohama is easily accessible from Tokyo, but there’s enough to see and do here that it’s worth more than a day trip. Visit Minato Marai 21, a popular, modern neighborhood with great shopping and tons of restaurant options. TripAdvisor travelers also recommend stopping at Big Wharf (Osanbashi Pier), a uniquely shaped pier with spectacular views.

10.ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA

The capital city of South Australia is simply enchanting, a treasure trove of shopping, fine arts, gastronomy and outdoor activity. Adelaide is the heart of the world’s opal industry, selling gorgeous stones from South Australian mines. Be sure to hike the aptly named Mt. Lofty Ranges and catch a wave off the Fleurieu Peninsula. Indulge your adventurous palate and traipse into nearby wine regions like the famed Barossa Valley to pick up a deliciously drinkable souvenir.